Farmington, Ontario County get more than $2.3M through VLT Impact Aid

This year's state budget will provide more than $2.3 million to Ontario County and the Town of Farmington through the VLT Impact Aid program, according to state Sen. Mike Nozzolio, R-Fayette.

That program assists communities that have a racino or Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) facility ó such as Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in Farmington ó address issues such as traffic congestion, infrastructure improvements and area beautification. Previous years' aid have helped the town fund the construction of the new highway department complex, build a storm water drainage facility and construct a recreation facility at Mertensia Park, among other efforts, according to a release from Nozzolio's office.

The money for the town and county in this year's budget through the program is an increase of more then $500,000 from the previous level of funding, according to Nozzolio's office.

"The Finger Lakes Racetrack plays a critically important role in our regionís economy and it was a pleasure to work with Assembly Minority Leader K(Brian) Kolb to secure this funding," Nozzolio stated in a release. "Hundreds of individuals from all over the Finger Lakes region are employed there and the facility itself generates millions of dollars in tax revenue to the County every year. This revenue helps to reduce the tax burden on Ontario County taxpayers."